Seaside Herb Gardening

Growing herbs in Coastal areas

Garlic Herb

In previous articles, we have looked at installing a flower garden and a veggie gardenin coastal areas. However, in this article, we will be looking at how to install a herb garden in coastal areas with much garden success.

The unique thing about planting herbs in coastal areas is that the same principle applies as with the flower and veggie gardens except with a slight twist.

Living on the coast as I have mentioned in previous articles can be prettyamazing with all the beauty that it has to offer. For many, this is a dream come true.

And to add to that beauty is connecting with nature through the many garden designs.

Growing a herb garden on the coastline

Growing a herb garden on the coastline is pretty cool because you get to harvest and enjoy fresh herbs right from your very own garden as you prepare those delicious meals.

Gardening methods

There are three methods that can be used when installing herbs.

1. Planting directly in the ground.

2. Raised beds.

3. Container gardening.

Planting tips

Garden herbs

A. Planting in the ground-When planting herbs in the ground, first cultivate the soil with compost or a good organic soil mix. Be generous with these mixtures because sandy soils cannot retain water and fertilizers.

Secondly, allow the soil to sit for a week before planting, also each day water planting area, this will ensure that the salt that is in the soil will leech away from the zone where plant roots must run.

After this assignment is completed you are now ready to install your herbs.

Making a hedge around your garden with salt-tolerant plants can offer much help, installing a fence cannot only act as a windbreaker but can also protect your herbs against salt.

B. Raise beds-Raise beds are a great way to install your herb garden above ground level while providing them with compost or organic soil mix. The beauty of this method is that you can always cover your plants when winds are high with all that salt.

Also, use a garden hose and with fresh water give your plants a shower so that salt can wash off.

Making a hedge around your raised bed with salt-tolerant plants can offer much help, installing a fence cannot only act as a windbreaker but can also protect your herbs against salt.

C. Container Gardening-Container gardeningis pretty amazing because plant pots can always be moved to a more safe area when coastline winds are really strong and the air is filled with salt and return when everything is normal again or you can cover them for protection.

Container gardening also allows you to grow herbs right on your kitchen counter. To learn more about growing indoor plants follow this link, indoor edible plants.

Herbs to plant

Herb health facts

The final word

Growing herbs in coastal areas are easy as 1, 2, 3 all it takes is some know-how and you will be on your way. So let’s get started on that herb garden and spruce up your meals that will keep your family and friends coming back for more as you ride the waves of seaside garden success.

5 comments

Wow Norman, I had no idea that the rules are slightly different for planting by the sea side! Can you use seaweed to cover your garden beds during the off season? Are there a lot of pests to be concerned about with being close to the ocean?

Very good to know! I had always thought the salt from the ocean would make it nearly impossible to grow seaside. You’ve provided some very good advice here. Do you know if there’s a solution you can put with plants to decrease or neutralize the effects of the salt so you wouldn’t have to put a block on it? The winds can be fierce seaside so I like the idea of a cover. Are there maybe covers out there that take in sunlight but block the wind I could use?

Hello Catherine so nice to meet you, I am happy that I could help. What I suggested in my post is to wash plants off with fresh water. Connect a garden shooter to your hose and setting the shooter to shower or jet spray, gently squeezing the trigger will help.

All purpose garden fabric may help, you should be able to find this at your garden center or plant nursery. Hope this helps and please let me know how your garden project goes. All the best to you and have a wonderful day.

Hi Norman, My mum lives near a coastline and is a keen gardener, She really likes plants but i think the sea air sometimes messes with the plants. I have passed on your website url to her because I think she will find the hedge idea useful and also C. Container, also the B. Raise beds-Raise beds you mention seem to be good for winds and salts.
This information is great and ideal for my mum. I am gladIfound it, she will love reading all your tips.
Thanks,
Freddy